POOLING OF PRODUCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21233, 13 July 1932, Page 11

POOLING OF PRODUCE.

DAIRYING IN THE NORTH.

CONSIDERATION POSTPONED.

DISCUSSION AT HIKURANGI.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAREX, Tuesday.

A scheme for pooling North Auckland dairy produce was discussed at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Hikurangi Dairy Company, Limited, at Hikurangi to-day. The chairman of directors, Mr. L. Webb, said tho majority of the directors were opposed to the scheme, but a meeting of various factories had some time ago asked that the scheme bo placed before suppliers. It was thought the time had arrived when factories should co-ordi-nate their efforts, fix boundaries and see their produce under one brand. The advocates of the scheme considered that the North Auckland supply of 18,000 tons of butter could be sold under one brand, and a saving of per lb., totalling £36,000, could bo effected.

"Thero is open competition between factories and the grades of butter of the various factories show only a small difference," said Mr. Webb. "Wo are experiencing low prices, and any savings we can effect will be of benefit to suppliers. Although not wholly in favour of the original proposals, I consider some workable scheme should materialise. I consider Denmark an object lesson as to what can bo done in marketing produce." Mr. T. Ellis said that by going into the pool the suppliers handed over their supplies for three years. As far as overlapping was concerned, that could be rectified without having a pool. North Auckland exported only one-fifth of New Zealand's export of butter. "If we agree to tlie proposal," he said, "it will antagoniso tlio Tooiey Street merchants. We will be passed over if we try to force tho position. In view of the excellent results obtained by the Hikurangi factory we would be ill-advised to make a change, especially in view of the present economic conditions. Our f.o.b. sales have been largely responsible for the successful year s operations, and by joining the pool these sales would be taken out of our hands. I was once a, strong advocate of consignment, but I am convinced that f.o.b. sales are more profitable." A motion was carried almost unanimously deferring further consideration of the proposal for 12 months.